Ninth Graders Champion Change Through Youth Philanthropy

Friends Seminary recently held its annual Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) finals, a powerful capstone experience and service-learning project embedded in the Grade 9 history curriculum. This initiative challenged students to connect with the nonprofit sector and explore the role philanthropy plays in addressing pressing social issues across New York City.

As part of the multi-phase project, ninth grade students were divided into teams and asked to select and research a nonprofit organization focused on a social issue that mattered to them. Through their research, students examined the organizations' missions, histories, programming, and community impact. They analyzed nonprofit financial documents, including 990 forms and annual reports, to gain a clearer understanding of fiscal responsibility and transparency. Many teams conducted in-person or virtual site visits and interviewed staff and clients to better understand the lived realities behind the work.

Each team presented their findings to their peers, advocating for the importance of their chosen nonprofit’s work. Students and faculty then collectively selected seven finalist teams to move forward to the culminating round of presentations.

At the finals, held on campus before classmates, faculty, and invited guests, the seven finalist teams delivered powerful advocacy presentations for their selected nonprofits. This year, teams represented a diverse and meaningful group of organizations working across education, the arts, public health, and equity, including: City Harvest, Common Denominator, Fountain House, Go Project, New York Foundation for the Arts, Public Policy Lab, and Pursuit.

The $5,000 grant, awarded by the Toskan Casale Foundation, went to the team representing the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA). Congratulations to students Jake, Sophie, Juliet, and Maya, whose compelling research and presentation highlighted NYFA’s crucial support of working artists and the creative economy in New York City.

The $1,000 Parents Association grant was awarded to the team representing City Harvest, presented by Charlotte, Charlie, Miles, and Avi, in recognition of their advocacy around food insecurity and waste reduction.

The $1,000 Friends Seminary Administration grant was awarded to the team representing Fountain House, led by Skylar, Donovan, and Juliette, who explored the organization’s innovative approach to mental health care and social rehabilitation.

Student teams were evaluated on content, clarity, and persuasiveness—how well they communicated the social issue, demonstrated their nonprofit’s impact and financial health, and advocated using presentation platforms to inspire support.

This powerful learning experience not only built students’ research and communication skills but also deepened their understanding of the nonprofit sector’s role in civic life. Friends Seminary once again affirmed its commitment to nurturing compassionate, informed, and action-oriented leaders—young people who are not just learning about the world, but working to improve it.

 

 

This initiative was made possible by the thoughtful leadership of Stephon Richardson and Sabrina Hernandez, whose mentorship guided students through every step of the process.

Special thanks also go to Kara Kutner, Director of the Center for Peace, Equity, and Justice (CPEJ), and Annah Heckman ’19, CPEJ Specialist for Community Engagement, for their continued partnership, guidance, and commitment to the mission of YPI and the broader work of civic engagement at Friends Seminary.

The finals were judged by an esteemed panel of community members and educators:

Robert (Bo) Lauder, Head of School, a long-time YPI supporter who shared how much he looks forward each year to learning from the students' passionate presentations.

Kristy Foss, an operations and HR leader in the startup sector, active nonprofit board member, and Friends Seminary parent.

Julie Fenster, a legal executive and nonprofit board leader with deep experience in early childhood advocacy and media law.

Marjorie Jean-Paul, Director of Advancement at Friends Seminary, with two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and a career focused on community engagement and philanthropic strategy.

We also extend our thanks to the dedicated student judges who brought thoughtful insight and care to the evaluation process: Orla, Ruby, Nolan, Theo, Rachel, and Reid.

Their collective efforts made this year’s Youth Philanthropy Initiative a meaningful and inspiring demonstration of student leadership and community partnership.